Pragmatic information in an orthoepic dictionary. Current state and needs

Abstract

For language users, language is a certain continuum along which the boundary between semantics and pragmatics blurs and where phenomena from both planes are related to the concept of language norm (linguistic standard, literary norm) and the proper use of linguistic units is not limited to complying with the rules of grammar or respecting their strict meaning. An important component of the proper use of language is the pragmatically adequate selection of the available language means. The question of a methodological nature is the way in which pragmatic information is introduced to such lexicons. Traditionally, usage labels are used for this purpose. Sometimes, however, in order for an orthoepic dictionary to really fulfi l its function, pragmatic information should be presented in a more descriptive, narrative manner. The pragmatic aspect of the language norm can be described in a dictionary not only in the “pragmatic tabs” of specifi c entries but it can also be captured comprehensively, as a “theoretical article” relating either to the pragmatic properties of certain word categories (e.g. diminutives, children’s vocabulary, metaphors relating to people). Keywords: pragmatics – orthoepic dictionary – language norm – correctness